Lead in Cinnamon: Spices have special importance in our kitchen. Many spices are extremely beneficial for health. One of these is cinnamon, which is the inner part of the bark of the tree. It has been used medicinally for thousands of years in case of fever, swelling, cold and vomiting.
However, a shocking revelation has come to light regarding cinnamon. Recently, in an analysis by Consumer Reports, a non-profit organization of America, at least 12 cinnamon products have been found to contain high amounts of lead, which is extremely harmful for health.
Lead in Cinnamon Products
Consumer Reports examined about 36 cinnamon products in which garam masala and spice powder were added. All of these were among the brands available in grocery stores and shops in America. It was found that the amount of lead in 12 products like Paras, EGN, Rani brand was more than the New York limit of 1 part per million (PPM). Let us tell you that New York is the only state in the US which controls heavy metals in spices. What is worrying is that just one-fourth teaspoon of these cinnamon products contains high levels of lead per day.
Why is lead in cinnamon dangerous?
James Rogers, director of food safety research at Consumer Reports, said even small amounts of lead can be dangerous to health. It accumulates in the body and never gets eliminated, which can cause serious harm. Children and pregnant women are most at risk from lead. It is no less dangerous for the youth also. Due to lead, children’s brain does not grow and they face problems in learning. Prolonged exposure to lead in youth can cause liver damage, high blood pressure and even impotence.
Also read:From excessive fatigue to weight loss, these are the five major symptoms of cancer.
How can lead be eliminated?
Lead is a naturally occurring element in the soil. Plants can absorb it as they grow. Since cinnamon is made from the bark of trees and these trees take at least 10 years to grow, they have a long time to absorb lead from the soil. Apart from this, whenever cinnamon is dried, lead can be removed from it. People should also avoid using cinnamon containing lead. If there is a suspicion of this in any product, then get it tested also.
Disclaimer: Some information given in the news is based on media reports. Before implementing any suggestion, you must consult the concerned expert.
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